7.9B Gravity

Analyze the model of the solar system. How does the difference in scale between the sun and the planets affect the structure of the solar system?

• The planets orbit the sun because the sun is so much larger.

• The planets orbit the sun because the sun has a much greater mass.

• The planets orbit the sun because the combined mass of the planets is equal to the mass of the sun.

• The planets orbit the sun because the combined mass of the planets is more than the mass of the sun.

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A(n) ​ (a)   is the path that a particular object follows as it travels around another body in space.The force of attraction between two objects depends on their ​ (b)   (masses, sizes) and how far apart they are. Most orbits are not circular but form an oval-like path called a(n) ​ (c)   . The solar system began as separate particles in a spinning cloud of dust and gas. Matter condensed in the middle of the cloud of particles, where the attractive forces were the greatest, forming the ​ (d)   (sun, planets). The planets all orbit the sun in ​ (e)   (a different, the same) direction because they formed from the spinning nebula.

• orbit
• masses
• ellipse
• the same
• sun
• a different
• planets
• sizes

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Which of the following arguments support the statement “gravity causes the planets to orbit the sun.” Select 3

• A force must be acting to change each planet's direction.

• Gravity is a force that acts between the sun and planets.

• The sun and planets are far apart, so the gravity between them is weak.

• The sun and planets are massive, so the gravity between them is strong.

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The two balls represent objects in the solar system. How can the gravitational attraction between these objects be increased? Which of the following proposed solutions is supported by data and is consistent with scientific principles? Select 2

• Move the balls farther apart.

• Move the balls closer together.

• Increase the mass of one of the balls.

• Decrease the mass of one of the balls.

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Which of the following solutions, consistent with scientific ideas, were proposed by Laplace to explain the observation that the planets orbit the sun in the same direction?

• The solar system formed from a spinning nebula.

• The solar system formed from the sudden collapse of nebula.

• The solar system formed from particles that collided together.

• The solar system formed from comets captured by the sun's gravity.

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The following explanations have been developed to explain the path of this comet. Which explanation is consistent with scientific principles?

• As the comet approaches its closest point to the sun it slows down and then overshoots the sun.

• As the comet approaches its closest point to the sun it speeds up and then collides with the sun.

• As the comet approaches its farthest point from the sun it speeds up and then falls back toward the sun.

• As the comet approaches its farthest point from the sun it slows down and then falls back toward the sun.

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Which model has greater gravitational attraction (if any)

• Model A
• Model B
• Both Model A and Model B (same gravity)

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Why do all of the planets orbit the sun rather than Earth?

• the sun has more mass

• the sun is a star

• the Earth is heavier

• the sun is in the middle of the milky way

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This diagram shows three models that represent the gravitational force, F, between objects.

Which model is displaying the most gravitational force of attraction?

• Model 1

• Model 2

• Model 3

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Which of the following best explains why the moon orbits the Earth and not the sun?

• The moon is attracted to all planets equally.

• The sun is too far away to affect the moon.

• The moon is heavier than the Earth.

• The Earth is closer to the moon and exerts a stronger gravitational pull on it.

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NGSS.MS-PS2-4

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